Do Dogs Change in Old Age?

fureverywhere

fureverywhere

beloved friend who will always be with us in spiri
Location
Northern NJ, USA
I mean of course they gray and all...but emotionally? Sophie has always been a pawful with her fears and eventual fear aggression. She's maybe ten years old, possibly more. But her behavior has gotten a bit weirder over the last year or so. Sometimes she'll leap at cats, something not allowed in our house. And I blast her for it n' she stops.

But last night she went at it with Callie. Fortunate that he's easygoing enough not to fight back. She's faster but he's much, much, stronger. He body slammed her a few times and she skulked away. But really if she ever hurt a cat or Callie we'd have a hard choice to make. Thoughts?
 

I had a medium size sheltie mix from the shelter. He lived to be 14 and the last few years, he seemed to have dementia. I don't even know if that's possible. He would go out and want in, so we'd let him in (before pet doors). 5 minutes later he'd stare at us to go out. As soon as he was out, he'd scratch to come in. Honestly we'd pause a move maybe 10 times for him. Great dog though. I still miss him.
 
Sounds like she needs to see a vet to be tested for the doggy version of dementia or whatever other age-related thing might be going on with her.

My 18-year-old kitty has been having some senior moments this past year especially. Nothing major, but definitely new and different.
 

Ive had three old dogs

they all went deaf two went blind one went half blind
all suffered with arthritis poodle was 16. Staffie was 17 Yorkie was 23
the staffie got really restless at night as he got older walking from
room to room and couldn't settle they all had strange behaviour
as they got older
 
Yes, they can. I had one dog who, when she got old, had some serious personality changes. I took her to my vet, who said she was suffering from canine cognitive dysfunction (basically dog senility). She explained how changes can take place in the brain of an old dog, just as they can in and old person (plaques, mini strokes and hemorrhages, etc.). The first symptom was decreasing control of bladder functions, then personality changes such as you described. She became increasingly unreliable as to her reactions to situations with other dogs, which was dangerous to her and the other dogs in the household (and could have become dangerous to humans, as well). Ultimately, I had to make the heartbreaking decision to have her put to sleep both for her safety and the safety of the rest of the household. She was around 12.

As Warrigal said above, it could also be pain. Dogs with chronic pain get very hard to manage and can lash out. If it's arthritic pain or pain from another cause, the pain itself can be managed with medication, and the underlying problem could probably be treated. You don't want him to be suffering chronic pain, and bully breed dogs are notoriously stoic until it gets pretty bad. You should have him checked out by a vet -- I know it's awful to hear, but the next situation may be worse and someone may be hurt. Please don't ignore this -- something is wrong when a dog's normal behavior changes as you've mentioned, and you're dealing with a big, powerful dog.
 
The Chihuahua that we had became diabetic. He realized that the insulin helped him and he was very patient when I gave him his shots.
 
My lab cracked a hip the other day from a self inflicted body slam. Over the years he has done the slam and then goes into a roll. He lowers his head and flops over head first onto his back. When he did it this time no roll just slow getting up and didn't put much weight on his back left leg. Anyway.....my point is he certainly had a different mood after that. Now after a few days of rest and pain med's, he has perked up again and tail is wagging. Pain certainly can affect their mood.
 
This is pretty scary stuff about older dogs. Mine is 6.5 and she likes to sleep a lot. She doesn't play as much as she used to. She loves bones, though. Do all dogs get senile?
 
My parents' dog got like that when he got very old. I kept him for 2 weeks one time when they went on a trip. He didn't really appear to know them when they got back. It was rather sad.
 
Yep after I've worked for a month or so it's time for a vet check. She's due for shots anyway. I don't know if it's physical, she can still leap like a gazelle and keeps a quick pace on walks. But she's always been totally Mommy's girl. It just seems like it's gotten more exaggerated. If she decides other critters or people are too close to me she might sit there whining or just throw herself into my lap to push everyone away. Even when I'm in the bathroom she'll be outside the door whining and pawing...something she hasn't done for years. Can dogs play the age card?;)
 
I had a wonderful dog named Bandit for 17 years. He never lost his shining personality. In fact, he never showed signs of age till the last year. Then the change was sudden. He couldn't control his bodily functions. He'd fall down while he "took care of business," etc. I knew my Bandit didn't want to live like that, so I took him to the vet, and said goodbye. It's been almost 20 years and I still miss him.
 
I'm sorry ronk, it's so hard to say goodbye. I've lost so many cats, not to old age but car accidents. Snowball, Kashi...My in-laws had a dog named Jackie. Like you say one day she started to deteriorate. The daily puddle in the kitchen became an ocean. The family didn't care for her in her last days, I did. We had never been close but it was the least I could do for her. I had to make the choice to put her out of her misery as well. But we remember them all always.

With Sophie she's the first dog I ever had and we've been through so much together. It's hard to see her so gray...Lady Clairol? Works for Mami;) Things like today when I came home between errands. Callie was in his chair waiting for me as I came in the door. Of course he did his happy dance and put his head in my lap. But no Sophie...before I went back out I looked for her. She was still on the upstairs bed deeply asleep. It was weird in a sad way. She used to always be the first at the door. Maybe her hearing is going:(
 
fureverywear, my name is Ron Knights. (ronknights). Pets aren't as vain as people. They don't care about grey hairs! Yes, as you mentioned, the failing of their bodies is the most tragic part. Bandit was mostly blind in the last year or so. But he always knew when I was coming down the stairs to get him. He was ready for me to lift him up and take him upstairs. He always jumped up into my arms whenever he could. Bandit always knew when I'd ordered a pizza, and he could always sniff out the crusts I gave him. He would squirm in my arms as I carried him downstairs. For 17 years Bandit got my pizza crusts. I'd lower my arm toward him, and he'd snatch it up happily. In the 20+ years since his passing, I still sometimes hold that crust down, waiting for him to grab it. I rarely eat my pizza crust.

I thought about getting another dog. I'm on Social Security, and that is my sole income. I can afford to buy some electronic stuff if I'm careful with my money. I refuse to get another pet unless I can absolutely guarantee that both of us would live well, and be cared for. I'm also at the point where I really need to get out of my shell and socialize. That might mean taking trips, whatever. I don't want to neglect a pet if my social life picks up.
 
Perhaps your area might have events like some of our local rescue groups. They're usually called something like Seniors for Seniors. Older dogs and cats are difficult to place so they'll waive the adoption fee or maybe ask for a tiny few dollars contribution. As far as affordable care there are clinics and free vaccines available sometimes. And I mean even the dollar stores have kibble. The average pup can be happy with even home made meals. Maybe you should consider another furry love of your life?
 
You got me thinking about it again. I've spent the past few months getting caught up on some overdue bills. I might actually have some free money in a month or so. I'll try to upload this photo of Bandit in 1980.

I adopted Bandit from a shelter when he was 6 weeks old. I just couldn't resist him. He was a beautiful dog. He will never be replaced. But I could love another rescue dog just as well.

bandit106.jpg
 
I can't bear being without a dog. After I had to put my dog of many years to sleep last year because of an inoperable splenic tumor, I simply had to find another doggie companion. I got my Bonnie from the local humane association. I didn't have to pay an adoption fee for her because she is over 5 and I'm over 65. I have not regretted it for a minute. She's a wonderful girl and is a joy in my life. Older dogs need homes, too, and they are so grateful to find love again.

Additionally, my humane society, as must do, has a reduced fee vet clinic you can take your dog to. I use the same vet I've used for 30 years, though, because she's great and we have such a long standing relationship.

Do consider finding another friend -- dogs certainly light up your life. AND, they can also help socially -- take your dog out for walks and you'll meet all kinds of people and their dogs. Dog people LOVE to talk to other dog people.
 
Around the time Bandit died, I had gone through some rough times, and was struggling to get a new start on my life. My life continued to get bad Yes, I would gladly adopt an older dog.
 
Awwwww Bandit was gorgeous! I see Collie...Here's a resource that might help you. You just key in your location and what you're looking for...Breed, age, gender. Then they give you a photo gallery with descriptions and contact information. You can even do a sub-search if you want them housebroken, if you would be open to special needs, friendly with other creatures or children. I found my girl dog on this site https://www.petfinder.com/
 
Bandit was a glorious mutt. Yes, part Collie, and who knows what else. He fit on my lap. He was 45 pounds all his life. He had a lot of long, puffy hair. When he got wet, his legs look like sticks!

I prefer to just go to an animal shelter, and look for a dog. I'm pretty sure we need to get smaller dogs. Yes, I want one that is housebroken. That's one advantage of getting an older dog.
 
Yes sometimes it is just better to go to the local shelter. There was a shelter in back of my job a few years back. On a whim I went back to look one day. This place was blessed that it had a nature reserve in the back of the shelter. You could take a possible adoptee out for a walk as long as you wished.

The first dog I took out tried to hump me so hard he ripped my jacket. But I had seen a thin brown dog in the back. The first time he stood barking with the others. When I went back again he sat and looked at me. I got down on knees and looked in his eyes. My hands were against the kennel...he raised a paw to meet mine. He became our beloved Callie.

Sophie the one I found on Petfinder is Mami's girl. But her screen profile simply described lovely, lonely AmStaff needs a home, housebroken and accepts her treats gently. What they neglected to mention was her attachment and fear issues. If they had been honest it would have read Female AmStaff of indeterminate age needs a home...

It will take a full year before she doesn't pull you down flat on walks, she has some attachment issues and will wrap about your feet as you wash dishes, sudden noises n' strangers n' even helium balloons will leave her in full panic mode, she will eventually become severally dog aggressive, four year supply of puppy Haldol free with adoption papers.
 
I have noticed my girl getting older. It's not just the greying muzzle - she doesn't really want to go on the longer walks, as we used to do, is happy with the shorter ones - that's OK, so am I.

She likes to laze around a bit more - me too!

We're aging together, though I fear she is aging just that little bit faster than me.

We go to the vet every year and they remark how well she is doing - for her age. She's never had any major health problems. A tooth removal after a neighbors kid somehow managed to smack her in the mouth with a golf ball.

I have never overfed her - her weight is ideal for a dog of her mixed breed.

She's still totally house trained - she'll wake me during the night if she needs to "go". Not always convenient, but if she lets me know, I get up for her.

If she needs to go before me, I will do the right thing and let her go. Will look to adopting an older dog. Not at all sure I would be able to train another puppy up.
 

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